The news from China is still most unsatisfactory. The troops
are slipping away on their return, but nothing appears to have been completely settled, not even the amount of the indemnity or the mode in which it is to be raised. Nothing is known of the policy actually reigning in Sian—where General Tung, who was said to be in rebellion, has regained influence, and where Prince Tuan, at the head of a great army, is said to be marching towards Shan-si—and nothing of the all-important decision as to the future capital of China. So far as appears Europe has gained nothing except an incomplete promise to pay the costs of the war, while vague rumours are circulated of new popular associations modelled upon that of the "Boxers." Nothing, in fact, can be done without six processes, each of which consumes time. The Ambassadors propose, the Chinese plenipotentiaries object ; the Ambassadors threaten, the Chinese "refer for orders " ; the orders are referred to Europe, Europe disputes over them, and then a decision reaches Pekin, and apparently sticks there. Asia, in fact, is too much for Europe. That would not matter, perhaps, if the question were one of dialectics, but all this time the facts are penetrating ainong the Chinese people, who do not like them. A true popular Thing, which is always possible, would .find Europe quite un- prepared, and in a state of bewilderment what to do next. She must protect herself, but where is the money to be raised ? A third indemnity is not to be got out of China.
